Derby want to re-sign Ayala

Derby are going to ask Liverpool about the possibility of re-signing Daniel Ayala on loan next season.

Last Updated: 28/03/11 3:22pm

Derby are going to ask Liverpool about the possibility of re-signing Daniel Ayala on loan next season.

The defender has made nine appearances, including eight consecutive starts, since joining the Championship club in February in a deal that is due to expire at the end of the season.

Derby manager Nigel Clough has been impressed by Ayala and would like to take the 20-year-old back to Pride Park in the 2011/12 campaign.

Ayala would have limited opportunities behind Jamie Carragher, Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel at Liverpool and the Premier League club would likely be happy for the offer of first-team football elsewhere.

But Clough does not expect a decision anytime soon, as he told the Derby Telegraph: "Is there a possibility we could see him back on loan next season? We are going to make that inquiry, certainly.

"We will be speaking to Liverpool to see if there is any possibility of that happening. The only thing is that they don't usually make those decisions until August.

"We need some players in before that and we certainly need another centre-half in. Daniel has shown us enough during his time here and we would like to take him as a loan as well next season."